First and foremost, thank you to everyone who participated in this week’s call! Here is a brief recap of today’s meeting. We will forward the link to listen to the entire conversation soon.
Top 5 takeaways from today’s discussion:
- The Governor’s Executive Order “Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected” outlines CDC recommendations for physical distancing and any restrictions effective until April 30, 2020.
- Here is a link to the executive order – CLICK HERE
- Businesses listed as an essential business may close their business due to the COVID-19 should they choose; if the business remains open, it must follow strict CDC recommendations.
- Non-essential businesses may stay open but are not allowed to conduct in-person or on-site transactions and must follow CDC recommendations of physical distancing of 6ft and no more than 10 people gathering. Restaurants and food services are exempt from the in-person or on-site transaction rules to allow for delivery and take-out services – but must maintain CDC physical distancing and sanitation recommendations.
- There is NO CURFEW for businesses to close; Mayor Daniels spoke about this in her April 1st video update. Find the video here:
- CLICK HERE for the links to resources outlined in the US Chamber’s presentation on the Payroll Protection Program and SBA Loans available for businesses.
- A sample PPP Loan application is available online, although each bank may require a slightly different application. CLICK HERE to view and fill out the sample PPP Loan application. Loans are available through current SBA lenders, however, you can get this loan through any participating federally insured depository institutions, federally insured credit unions, and Farm Credit System institutions. – CLICK HERE for a list of Active SBA Lenders in Arizona. It is recommended you review the sample application to begin collecting data you need to apply; contact your banker to assist. The goal is to have the programs up and running for bank processing by Friday, April 3, 2020.
- Make Gilbert Count – Help Gilbert reach its goal of 100 percent participation by taking the 2020 Census online right now at www.my2020Census.gov. It takes just ten minutes to help shape Gilbert's future for the next ten years. An accurate count in the 2020 Census helps ensure our community gets the funding it needs and the representation it deserves.
- Join us for a virtual Lunch and Learn: "Strong Marketing Strategies to Navigate Through Economic Disruption", tomorrow, April 2nd at Noon. Hear from local businesses as they share the tips and strategies to market your business and reach your audience during this time. REGISTER NOW
- Continue checking the Town and Chamber’s websites and resource pages. www.Gilbertaz.gov/COVID19 and www.gilbertaz.com/COVID-19.
In closing, our weekly calls will be held each Wednesday at 9am through April 15th. You’ll need to register for each call separately. Here is the link for next week’s call: https://gilbertaz.webex.com/gilbertaz/onstage/g.php?MTID=e85b51d695b0a70aed02253a01bd65fb1
Based on this week’s conversation, our next call will include:
- Latest updates from Mayor, Town Manager, Office of Economic Development/Town staff, and Gilbert Chamber
- Wendy Katz, Questco, will rejoin us to answer your employee and payroll questions. Here is a PDF of her presentation that may tee up specific questions for next week’s call. CLICK HERE
- A representative from AZ@Work will discuss resources to help find your employees work or opportunities to hire new employees
- Open dialogue
Please continue to reach out and share your thoughts about future calls; these calls are designed for you and we want to ensure we are covering topics of most interest to the group.
Stay positive and know you aren’t in this alone!
Mayor Jenn Daniels
Patrick Banger, Town Manager
Dan Henderson, Director of Gilbert Economic Development
Kathy Tilque, CEO Gilbert Chamber of Commerce
Sarah Watts, VP Gilbert Chamber of Commerce